sourdough

noun

sour·​dough ˈsau̇(-ə)r-ˌdō 

 sense 1 is also  -ˈdō

1

: a leaven consisting of dough in which fermentation is active

2

[from the use of sourdough for making bread in prospectors' camps] : a veteran inhabitant and especially an old-time prospector of Alaska or northwestern Canada

Examples of sourdough in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While pasta is baking, toast sourdough slices in the oven for 5-10 minutes. —Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 9 May 2024

Regular firm white bread (pain de mie) holds its shape and stays very moist after cooking, while crusty breads like sourdoughs and baguettes retain a pleasant and satisfying chew. —Melissa Clark, New York Times, 7 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sourdough

noun

sour·​dough ˈsau̇(ə)r-ˌdō 

1

: a dough in which fermentation is active and which is used to start fermentation in other dough (as in making bread)

2

: an old-time prospector in Alaska or northwestern Canada